Glenn Maxwell powers Australia to T20I series win over South Africa in 2025 decider
The Australia vs South Africa 3rd T20I 2025 ended in dramatic fashion as Glenn Maxwell powered Australia to a thrilling two-wicket win. With this result, Australia sealed the T20I series 2-1, while South Africa were left heartbroken after another narrow defeat.
Maxwell Masterclass in the Decider
Chasing 173, the hosts were in deep trouble at 122 for 6. Pressure mounted, but Glenn Maxwell’s innings against South Africa changed everything. His unbeaten 62 off 36 balls came at a strike rate above 170 and proved decisive. Importantly, Maxwell handled Kagiso Rabada’s final over with skill, striking a six and guiding Australia back into control. Eventually, he sealed the match with a reverse hit off Lungi Ngidi, confirming victory with one ball left.
Glenn Maxwell – 62* to seal the win for Australia! 💎
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) August 16, 2025
A real gem under pressure.
📸 Getty #GlennMaxwell #AUSvSA #MatchWinner #T20Masterclass #CricketAustralia pic.twitter.com/EMhsb3lYv2
Brevis Powers South Africa’s Total
South Africa’s innings was highlighted by Dewald Brevis’ fifty against Australia, which came from just 22 balls. He smashed four no-look sixes in one over off Aaron Hardie and lifted the Proteas to 172 for 7. Alongside Tristan Stubbs, Brevis added 61 runs for the fourth wicket, ensuring the visitors had a competitive score in the decider. However, his dismissal to Nathan Ellis, caught by Maxwell, halted the momentum.
Zampa and Bosch Star with the Ball
On a slower surface in Cairns, spinners played a key role. Adam Zampa’s 2 for 24 controlled South Africa’s middle overs, while Corbin Bosch produced a brilliant spell of 3 for 26. His penultimate over, a double-wicket maiden, almost turned the game in South Africa’s favour. Yet, Maxwell’s brilliance ensured the Proteas could not capitalise on Bosch’s effort.
Australia clinch the series with a 2-wicket win over South Africa!
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) August 16, 2025
What a thriller! 🇦🇺🔥
📸 Getty #AUSvSA #SeriesWin #CricketAustralia #DownToTheWire pic.twitter.com/rCiCLGtX0b
Australia Continue T20I Dominance
The Australia vs South Africa T20I series highlighted both teams’ contrasting fortunes. Australia extended their unbeaten run in bilateral T20I series to seven, while South Africa’s struggles in close finishes continued. The Proteas have now lost three finals in the last over, raising questions about their ability to close big games.
Ultimately, Maxwell’s heroics and Marsh’s fifty guided Australia home, confirming their status as one of the strongest T20 sides heading into a packed 2025 season.
